Earlier this month, The Erskine Green Training Institute, housed in the Courtyard Hotel in Muncie and led by The Arc of Indiana Foundation, Inc., opened its doors to its first seven students. They will participate in the first of its kind teaching hotel focused on providing post-secondary education to individuals with disabilities.

Thanks to partnerships with Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co. and IU Ball Memorial Hospital, students will receive hands on work experience working in the health, hotel and food service industries. Students will also take classes on several topics including living skills and how to be an active member of the community.

This brand new facility, with six floors and 150 rooms is expected to create at least 129 jobs in Muncie, and at least 30 employees will be an individual with a disability. This program is sure to make an impact on the 82% unemployment rate in Indiana among individuals with disabilities. “We wanted to prove to other businesses that they can employ people with disabilities,” said Kim Dodson, Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana and Arc Innovations.

INARF applauds the Institute’s efforts to provide hands-on training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.